GLP-1 Drugs: What They Are and How to Save on Them
2026-03-31 · by Jon McAdory, PharmD
Best Prices by GLP-1 Drug
The table below shows the best available pharmacy and discount card combination for each GLP-1 drug, form, and dosage. Prices reflect current cash-pay rates — no insurance required.
pen injector (3 ml)
0.25 mg or 0.5 mg
Safeway
pen injector (3 ml)
1 mg
Walgreens
pen injector (3 ml)
2 mg
Safeway
| Form | Dosage | Best Pharmacy | BuzzRx | GoodRx | Singlecare | WellRx |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| pen injector (3 ml) | 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg | Safeway | $860.15 | $199.00Code | $857.26 | $1015.57 |
| pen injector (3 ml) | 1 mg | Walgreens | $860.02 | $199.00Code | $857.26 | $1015.48 |
| pen injector (3 ml) | 2 mg | Safeway | $859.92 | $199.00Code | $857.26 | $1015.57 |
What Are GLP-1 Drugs?
GLP-1 receptor agonists are a class of medications that mimic a natural gut hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1. This hormone is released after eating and signals to the brain that you're full, slows gastric emptying, and stimulates insulin release — all of which help control blood sugar and appetite.
Originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, drugs like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) have become widely prescribed for weight loss as well. They are among the most talked-about medications in recent years.
Common GLP-1 Medications
- Semaglutide — sold as Ozempic (diabetes) and Wegovy (weight loss)
- Tirzepatide — sold as Mounjaro (diabetes) and Zepbound (weight loss)
- Liraglutide — sold as Victoza (diabetes) and Saxenda (weight loss)
- Dulaglutide — sold as Trulicity
- Exenatide — sold as Byetta and Bydureon
Why Do They Cost So Much?
GLP-1 drugs are among the most expensive medications on the market — often $800–$1,300 per month without insurance. Brand-name monopolies, limited generic competition, and high demand all contribute to the price. Insurance coverage varies widely, and many plans exclude weight-loss indications even when the same drug is covered for diabetes.
How to Find the Best Price
Prices for GLP-1 drugs vary significantly from pharmacy to pharmacy — sometimes by hundreds of dollars for the same drug and dosage. Discount cards like BuzzRx, GoodRx, WellRx and others negotiate lower cash prices that are often well below the sticker price, and sometimes even below insurance copays.